Surgical Drape Weakening Line Intersection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The positioning, draping, and fixing of surgical drapes can be difficult due to the thin and flexible nature of the film element, which often results in undesired opening and folding along weakening lines, leading to potential adhesions.

Innovation Solution

The protective material element is arranged such that its second weakening line intersects with the film element's first weakening line, allowing for more controlled removal and distribution of peeling forces, preventing premature breakage and facilitating user-friendly handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the protective material element is removed directly parallel to the weakening line, then the entire weakening line is exposed at once, but tensile forces cause abrupt opening and undesired adhesions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removing protective materialVSAvoidrisk of unintended opening and adhesions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second weakening line in the protective material element is arranged perpendicular to the first weakening line in the film element. This dimensional change in the arrangement of weakening lines allows the protective material to be peeled off in a controlled manner, transforming the removal process from a single-direction abrupt separation to a staged, perpendicular separation that distributes forces evenly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The crossing arrangement of weakening lines acts as a pre-designed force distribution mechanism that cushions against tensile forces during removal. By positioning the second weakening line perpendicular to the first, the structure anticipates and distributes peeling forces before they can cause abrupt opening, preventing undesired adhesions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the film element is made thin and flexible, then it can conform to the patient's body, but it becomes difficult to handle and position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to patient's bodyVSAvoidease of positioning and draping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective material element serves as an intermediary that facilitates handling of the thin film element. By providing a larger, more rigid surface area with a second weakening line for controlled removal, it acts as a mediator between the user's hands and the delicate film, enabling precise positioning and draping without direct manipulation of the thin film itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective material element is segmented by the second weakening line, allowing it to be peeled off in controlled sections. This segmentation enables the user to gradually expose and position the film element area by area, improving control during draping while maintaining the thin, conformable nature of the film itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the weakening line in the film element is exposed completely, then access is provided, but undesired folds and adhesions occur before fixation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of providing accessVSAvoidavoidance of undesired folds and adhesions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective material element with the second weakening line is prepared in advance to enable controlled, progressive exposure of the first weakening line. This preliminary arrangement allows the user to expose only the necessary portion of the weakening line at each step, preventing undesired folds and adhesions before fixation while maintaining efficient access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This arrangement enables easier and controlled exposure of the film element's weakening line, reducing the risk of unintended opening and adhesions, and provides a stable application aid for positioning and fixing the surgical drape on the patient.

Implementation Method 1

The film element has an adhesive area, in particular an adhesive layer, on the underside at least within the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3558152B1Surgical drape

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 PAUL HARTMANN AG

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Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a surgical cover for covering a human or animal body at least in some regions, having a top side, a bottom side, a base cloth element, and at least one opening arranged within the base cloth element, wherein said opening is covered by a film element and wherein said film element has a first weakening line and wherein the first weakening line is arranged in the region of the opening and wherein the film element has an adhesive region, in particular an adhesive layer, on the bottom side at least within the opening and wherein a removable protective material element is arranged on the adhesive region, in particular the adhesive layer, wherein the protective material element has a second weakening line, characterized in that the protective material element is arranged on the film element in such a way that the second weakening line crosses the first weakening line.